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Lesson 1 - Throwing Techniques

Strategic Foundations

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Year 8

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Dodgeball

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Big Question

Can you develop an effective throwing technique that gives you the best chance of success in dodgeball?

Learning Objectives

Understand how to work alongside and against others when attacking and defending
Develop and apply effective throwing techniques in game situations
Demonstrate understanding of rules and accept decisions given

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique with accuracy
Students will apply tactical thinking in attack and defence scenarios
Students will work cooperatively in teams while competing fairly

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

12-15 (foam or rubber)

Store on centre line, equal numbers each side

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for skill practice

Cones

20 for court boundaries

Mark clear court boundaries and centre line

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor

Dish Cones

8-10 for skill practice

Various sizes for different skill levels

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Eliminating

Getting an opponent out of the game by hitting them with the ball

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm coming over shoulder for power and accuracy

Accuracy

Ability to hit intended target consistently

Court boundaries

Marked lines that define playing area and team zones

Full hit

Ball hitting player directly without bouncing first

Blocking

Using a ball in hand to deflect an incoming throw

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Key Stage 2
Understanding of team game concepts
Experience with target games and accuracy challenges

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Rule application and fair play

Next Steps

Advanced throwing variations (low, high, curved)
Complex team strategies and formations
Tournament organisation and officiating

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm throwing action

Accurate throws hitting targets below waist height

Strategic thinking in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise accuracy over power in all throwing activities
Consistently reinforce below-waist targeting for safety
Connect skill practice directly to game application
Encourage honest play and fair acknowledgement of hits
Use positive competition to motivate skill development
Focus on overarm throwing technique throughout
Promote teamwork and communication during games

Common Misconceptions

Harder throws are always more effective - teach that accuracy and placement are more important
Aiming high makes catches harder - demonstrate why low throws are more difficult to catch
Individual performance matters most - emphasise team cooperation and strategy
Rules are flexible in competitive situations - maintain consistent rule application
Technique doesn't matter in games - show how proper technique improves game performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, leadership roles

dyspraxia

Larger softer balls, simplified throwing technique, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routines, quiet spaces available, visual schedules for lesson structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written rule cards, clear sight lines for demonstrations

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, modified court sizes, alternative equipment like bean bags

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Trajectory angles, scoring systems, time measurement, statistical analysis of hit rates

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, projectile motion, energy transfer from thrower to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness, coordinate systems in court layout, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development, conflict resolution, resilience in competitive situations, working with diverse groups

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all playing areas, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Throwing technique development, target selection, team cooperation, fair play

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe throwing, rule disputes, poor sportsmanship, or technique corrections

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing good/poor examples, maintain enthusiasm throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Step and throw!'
•'Aim low!'
•'Great technique!'
•'Work together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft dodgeballs appropriate for age group (not hard rubber)
•Cones with rounded edges for boundary marking
•Regular equipment checks for damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head/face area
•Collisions between players
•Slips from rapid direction changes
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise below-waist targeting consistently
•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions
•Progressive warm-up to prepare muscles
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Clear rules about crossing boundaries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor throwing force and target areas
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and honest acknowledgement of hits

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear access routes for emergency services